Vertically aligned zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods have been fabricated on a polyaniline (PANI) film template after electrochemical seeding and hydrothermal growth in a nutrient medium at a low temperature of 65 °C. Dense c-oriented [0001], hexagonal-shaped, vertically aligned ZnO nanorods are obtained on the PANI film surface, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy studies. The nanohybrid film used as the working electrode has been characterized for sensing catechin polyphenol in different tea varieties through cyclic voltammetry. Principal component analysis shows enhancement in the classification ability of the nanohybrid film for various concentrations of catechin standard and tea infusions.
Introduction: Intradural extramedullary (IDEM) spinal cord tumours account two thirds of all intraspinal tumours. The objective of this study was to determine short- and long-term outcomes of surgical patients with IDEM spinal cord tumours, and to see clinical features that could be helpful in management of patients with these lesions (operated by single senior surgeononly). Methods: A retrospective review of 201 operative IDEM spinal cord tumours cases between 1993 and 2014 was performed. Outcomes were scored at one month and at mean follow-up of 8.5 months postoperatively. In addition, patient demographics, tumour types and locations were also collected. Statistical analysis was conducted utilizing Chi-square and Student's t-tests. Results: There were 93 men and 108 women (mean age 48 yrs, range 5-87 yrs). Men presented at a younger age than women (42 vs 51 yrs, P<0.02). 165 (82.08 %) patients presented with severe radiculopathy and myelopathy. The 36 (17.91 %) had symptoms of radiculopathy. Mean duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis was 11 months. Schwannomas (113 patients) had the longest mean duration of symptoms (14.9 months), followed by meningiomas (68 patients, 8.4 months), and ependymomas (20 patients, 2 months). Hundred and eighty nine (94%) of patients demonstrated significant improvement at one-month and 186 (92%) at 6-month mean follow-up. Only 39/201 (19.4%) patients had residual focal deficits on long term follow-up. Conclusions: Surgery for IDEM should be expected to produce significant and dramatic improvement in most of patients. Demographic, tumor-specific and anatomic considerations will be clinically useful while managing IDEM.
Thermoplastic starch (TPS)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) based nanocomposites were prepared by thermally plasticizing regular cornstarch by sorbitol and reinforcing it with cellulose nanofibers extracted from sugarcane bagasse using alkali steam explosion coupled with high shear homogenization. High shear results in shearing of the fiber agglomerates resulting in uniformly dispersed nanofibers. Final nanofibers size was found in the range of 30–40 nm. Various analytical techniques were used to characterize cellulose nanofibrils and thermoplastic starch/cellulose nanofiber based nanocomposites like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Tensile and barrier properties of prepared nanocomposites were also examined. Nano‐reinforcement resulted in substantial improvement of mechanical and barrier properties of the composites as compared to the neat polymer. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E55–E64, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Energy requirements in India, and in all developing countries, are rising at over 10 per cent annually and may double after 2020. With the Energy Crisis there is a demand for the promotion of greater saving in energy and efficient use of available energy. This not only has the potential to meet the ever-increasing demand but it must be recognized as an important and sustainable solution for the energy crisis as energy saved is energy produced. Many studies have shown that, to the occupants, the most important consideration is thermal comfort. Thermal comfort is defined by ASHRAE, as that state of mind, which expresses satisfaction with the thermal environment. The context of the study of thermal comfort is the multibillion dollar air-conditioning (AC) industry. The need to define 'comfortable environments' arose from this industry. Before air-conditioning buildings were built on the experience of countless builders of the past, experience being passed down the generations.One of the more contentious theoretical issues in the applied research area of thermal comfort has been the dialectic between "adaptive" and "static" models. Apart from having disparate methodological bases (the former laboratory-experimental, the latter field-based), the two approaches have yielded starkly differing prescriptions for how the indoor climate of buildings should be managed. These prescriptions carry implications for the types of permissible building designs, the means by which their thermal environments are controlled, and the amounts of energy they consume in the production of habitable indoor climates. Static models have led to indoor climate standards that have been universally applied across all building types, are characterized by minimal recognition of outdoor climatic context, and are contributing Springer 74 Environmentalist (2007) 27:73-81 to an increased reliance on mechanical cooling. In contrast, proponents of adaptive models have advocated variable indoor temperature standards that more fully exercise the adaptive capabilities of building occupants. This approach potentially leads to more responsive environmental control algorithms, enhanced levels of occupant comfort, reduced energy consumption, and the encouragement of climatically responsive building design. Despite these apparent differences, our review of the research literature emerging from both approaches indicated that this seemingly irreconcilable split was primarily the result of narrow definitions of the term "thermal adaptation", and that there were opportunities to bridge some of the gap between the hypotheses.This paper attempts to discuss the methods of evaluating the thermal preferences of the people of composite climate for developing an adaptive model of thermal comfort and preference.
This paper deals with the human adaptability to its built environment. The built environment as we know it rarely finds itself adapting to its surrounding context, whether it be on the level of interaction with humans or the climate. Humans and nature both are in a constant state of flux; moving, changing, sensing, and reacting to their context and information they gather and perceive. A barrier is formed between the built environment and humans and nature due to the fact that their inherent characteristics are utterly contrasting. It is commonly estimated that persons in urban areas spend at least 80% of their time indoors. This suggests that the quality of the indoor environment can have a significant impact on comfort, health, and overall sense of well being. The indoor environment of buildings should thus be designed and controlled, as to provide a comfortable and healthy space for occupants. In order to maintain the quality of the indoor environment, we mechanically condition our buildings to achieve constant, uniform and comfortable environments. The maintenance of thermal equilibrium between the human body and its environment is one of the primary requirements. History of thermal comfort and climate design shows a definite relation between them and research is needed to know “What are comfort conditions?” and “How buildings could adapt themselves to these conditions”
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.